The POLAROID SLR 680 | Expensive Polaroid Camera vs Cheap

[@FarhanKamdar]

The best thrift store find of mine to this day was a working 680 with original paperwork and receipt in a bag for $18 Taking that camera home was the most alive I’ve ever felt

[@sonyviva308]

That's a steal oh my word. The other day I found one for like 42 usd if converted from my local currency and it isn't even in great shape. You're so lucky!

[@Ceph_Bluejay9]

Nooooooo 😭😭 why can i not find things like that!!! But that is an AMAZING deal!!

[@wokzilla]

same. got it today for $20. im trying to figure how it works now

[@JustSimpleMatas]

I feel you! Just got mine for free. People were getting rid of old stuff… 😂

[@FreakTimmah]

What the 680 and SX-70's excel at is close ups. You can focus much closer to your subject and when you fill the frame the sharper glass lens does make a difference. For shots where you're a few feet away there really isn't much of a difference. I've also found that darkening the exposure compensation by a little generally results in better contrast and colors.

[@markthomasduggan6515]

I was thinking this and the shallower depth of field that the wider aperture allows for.

[@computationalerror69]

this

[@SirFunky]

especially taking the slr factor into consideration, the offset doesnt really matter most times but yeah definetly for protraits it makes a world of difference

[@monochromebluess]

Enjoyable presentation. Just found your site. Re your comment about what was it like shooting the 680 camera with Polaroid 600 film stocks back in the 1980’s I can comment. I worked for Polaroid in sales at that time and I have endless pictures in photo albums taken on that camera and the images even 40 years later are strong vibrant in colour and are super sharp. And none of this hiding the picture away nonsense after taking it. When we launched the 600 films and cameras the whole idea was not only superior film to the SX-70 films but they were NOT affected by even the brightest of sunlight as they developed. I wish I could post them to show you. Anyway enjoyable video.

[@qvarfoto]

How the heck have I missed your channel up until about a hour ago... your videos are right up my alley! Cheers from Sweden /Fred

[@AeromaticXD]

I think it says a lot about the old school Polaroid engineering that we can get such nice photos from the old school 600 box type cameras! One of my favourite shots I took back in late 2019 of a (then) new friend was surprisingly sharp! I took it on a Polaroid Impulse! Saying that, I do find I love my SX-70s and the glass lenses really help, for me.

[@VictorReynolds]

My 635 works well. I had an SX-70 that I loved until it got damaged. I may still get another SX-70. Congratulations on the article!

[@DustinBKerensky97]

My favorite thing about the SLR 680 is it was used as a futuristic camera by Dave Lister in the first season of Red Dwarf (using it without unfolding it).

[@richardt1792]

As you've mentioned, the sx70, 680 and 690 were quite expensive. Although available for the general market, they found favor in studio photographers who used them to have proofs of their studio portraits.

[@slydaymukig3294]

gracias justo necesitaba este dato

[@timo3798]

For me the biggest argument for getting an sx70 is the ability to focus slr style and being able to get REALLY close to your subject (like 20cm min focus distance on my sx70), Very nice for portraits - imo the best use case for polaroid

[@jamesbuchan416]

I have a rev A sx-70 I had refurbished by Brooklyn Film Camera, and it works perfect! But alas, currently Polaroid film is still a bit of a disappointment (Random weird unexplained issues and super touchy development, leaking) compared to what I remember and just from looking at my Polaroids I shot with the original film stock from the 90s and 2000s. A Fuji Instax SLR would be *chefs kiss*.

[@eddiedonlin8936]

I would LOVE to have an Instax Wide SLR with autofocus! C'mon MINT....take my money!

[@eddiedonlin8936]

As a few have said, the close focus ability of the SLRs is pretty awesome. But for me (and I don't know if this was already commented) there's a satisfaction to the shooting experience of the SLRs, specifically the 680, that just can't be beat. That might not matter to most Polaroid shooters, but it's something I'm always thinking about when shooting. Cool video and congrats on the article!

[@wolf3dv]

I managed to grab a 680 for about 100 Eur on Ebay several years ago, with the original box and paperwork. It's great!

[@iteachtime]

Thanks!

[@computationalerror69]

Polaroid SLR680 excels in portrait work. When you shoot closer it has a beautiful creamy bokeh and the viewfinder makes framing easy. I paid 340€ for my minty boxed SLR680 and felt like I overpaid. Little did I know that it would become my favorite out of all my cameras (Rolleiflex, Hasselblads etc.)

[@Svend-h3f]

After the passing of the last year, I wonder if you plan on revisiting this.

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

I'm honestly really excited for the openSX-70 mod to become available for the public soon. I think it'll make every sx-70 just as good or even better than the 680 with the manual controls and flash sync capabilities!

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Is it DIY only ?

[@57Stratmann]

Please elaborate on this please. I have an SX-70 manual and 2 sonar models. Also a SLR 680 which I don’t like very much. I get better results from my manual and 2 sonar models believe it or not. So some info would be good !!

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

What’s this my SX70 will work EVEN BETTER? Do tell, do tell… (not that I know my SX70 even works maybe I’ll finally get film for it after I get this Bolex I’ve been saving for the past 2 months!)

[@ripemangosmdm7997]

congrats on the article!!! so cool, too cool. great video again, thanks for the deets.

[@popebryanii7224]

As an engineer who loves instant photography, the first time I saw a regular sx-70 it looked like a marvel of what it was capable of. It's small, it's simple and it's overall amazing. I'm hoping to have one someday that I can experiment with regarding converting to 600 and i-type.

[@russelllindsay2702]

The film in the 80s and 90s was 1000 times better! 10 per pack and it developed fast without being sensitive to light after exiting the camera. It was magical stuff.

[@ph4z_]

thanks for the honest comparison!

[@AimShootDevelop]

Big Polaroid 680 person, look into the Sx-37 it adds accessory lenses like telephoto lenses, effects and filters. It utilizes the fact it’s a SLR perfectly.

[@TheGamingEffect100]

A review I’d be interested to see all of the new instant cameras Polaroid has to offer. And which camera would be for which demographic

[@ripemangosmdm7997]

sweetlouphotography on KZbin has reviewed a bunch of the newer cameras, I'd recommend check-in his channel out if you haven't.

[@URBONED]

I was expecting you to reference the new Star Wars show Andor which uses one of these cameras (not sure which model) as a reoccurring “sci-fi binoculars” prop. A cool little Easter egg for us photo heads.

[@WittyDroog]

I didn't see the episode but from photos it LOOKED like a SX-70 Sonar. I just hope cosplay enthusiasts don't start buying them up as they're getting rare enough as it is.

[@URBONED]

@@WittyDroog hmm interesting point. I imagine there are far more Polaroid enthusiasts then there are Cosplay enthusiasts that would want that specific prop.

[@arghjayem]

In colder conditions, armpitting the film is the best way of developing (I.e. tuck the Polaroid under your armpit and keep it there till it’s finished developing).

[@samwestenskow]

I believe that a modified version of this camera is used as a prop in the Andor series on Disney+ 😂

[@albertkadar6983]

Looking at the photos at 6.08 for me it seems that the CoolCam distorts the straight lines and the SLR 680 doesn't do that noticeably.

[@aw614]

I ended up getting a 680 SE for free from someone I knew who was cleaning their garage from a move. Looked up the price and was shocked at how much they went for jeez...But I will say I was kind of disappointed with the output of the film stock. Hoping the film stock improves.

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Wow , not what you you would expect Noah ! Especially with the crazy prices the 680s go for , never mind the 690 😂 How about doing the cool cam Vs the MiNT Slr670s ??

[@novelezra]

The SLR 680 is one of those cameras that is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing being that it's a very 'hip' camera; It's the Olympus Mju ii of instant cameras if you'll excuse the comparison. The blessing of this is that the SLR 680 is what the wealthy hipsters will gravitate towards. This means that the Polaroid SX-70 range will always be somewhat affordable if you are patient. Because the ones without patience and just have the cash will 'pay retail' as they say. It's like retro game collectors; you have the ones who go to thrift stores and garage sales and then there's the ones who just pay the buy it now price on eBay. However the curse of this is that there is a feeling of FOMO when it comes to certain tech and vintage camera enthusiasts are not immune to this phenomenon by any measure. Instead of spending less money on an unknown point and shoot camera that they may end up loving, they see all these influencers flouncing around the Contax T2 and of course; the SLR 680. "It's the only Polaroid SLR that natively does 600 film and has auto-focus! I don't want to get an SX-70 model 2 and regret not getting auto-focus! I don't want to have to use an ND filter!" So they splash the cash on an SLR 680, with less money to buy film and scared to death that they will break it. Then, FOMO hits because they see an influencer on Instagram with the MiNT SLR670-X. If only they'd spent $500 dollars more they could have got that... I was in the same position. I adored Polaroid when I was younger and I was using it up to its death. When it came back I was well and truly stuck on 35mm which had clung to dear life. However I wanted to dip back into Polaroid and I wanted an SLR. Someone was selling a 680 on eBay bids and it was at around £200. I was the highest bidder. I felt sick. I got caught up in that excitement to get something nice and I was feeling that post-bid anxiety, knowing that I really shouldn't have been spending that money. Especially since I had a hefty vet bill at the same time. Luckily I got out bid, it went for like £220 which is honestly a bargain considering today's prices. I felt so much relief and I decided to be patient. Luckily, I found a guy who did SX-70 repairs and mods and his rates were pretty good. Someone put a beautiful nearly mint condition SX-70 on eBay saying it was broken (wouldnt close) and untested. I decided to get it and had it sent to the guy for a full refurbishment. In the end I got it modded for 600 film with a switch, a brand new motor and covered in beautiful grey soft leather (I know the tan is classic but I didn't grow up in the 70s. Sorry). Altogether it cost me around £150 which seems high for again, considering the price for just regular SX-70's that don't support 600 film it's a bargain and I love the ever loving hell out of it. I know I'm rambling but the point I'm trying to get across is that the SLR 680 is wonderful. But unless you find it in a thrift store run by someone who has no idea what it is or for some reason you have a family member who has one in the attic; you are never gonna get one for cheap and you are paying nearly triple the price of a modded SX-70 just for the fact it says "SLR 680" on it. Yes, you won't be able to put #680 on your Instagram and Twitter posts but you will be able to show off your beautiful custom SX-70 that is unique to you.

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Nice post ! How do you find your sx70 when taking 600 shots ? Any downsides? I presume the sx70 shots are unaffected?

[@novelezra]

@@Markybug-Keira-Cody To be honest I forget that it even has 600 film in it most of the time. I've seen a bunch of posts that say that a modded SX-70 doesn't take photos as well with 600 as the SLR680 does because they are 'overexposed'.. I have no idea what they are on about because firstly, the SX-70 has exposure control so if anything is overexposed then unfortunately that more the fault of the user. Like any instant photography you have to experiment until you get used to what settings work in what lighting. I think another problem is that the chemical formula they use for 600 film is nowhere near what it used to be (as he mentioned in the video). I have a bunch of shots that I took just before polaroid died. In fact I just checked the seriel number on one of the shots and the film was made in 2007, year before it was discontinued. The shot was taken with a Polaroid P600 camera and the quality of the image is incredible. Even now it's impressive. The formula they are using now is no where near as consistent as the original. Every shot I took back in 2000's came out wonderfully and I don't remember ever worrying "will this be shit?" With modern Polaroid film I am constantly doing that. I cannot tell you how many shots I've taken and it's come out wrong (again, just as he showed in the video). What I'm saying is that unless someone finds a fridge full of original 600 film and tests the SX70 modded with a SLR680 we won't ever find out if it's actually worse or not. I will say that SX-70 film is gorgeous and thats because obviously with a lower ISO you get better contrast and detail. But your wallet will die quickly. I recently tried out the Polaroid Go and I'm actually impressed with the film so far. Sure it has a plastic lens so it's soft as hell and they are tiny. But the chemistry seems to work better than their bigger film. I think the newer chemistry just really struggles to spread, unlike the original formula. Anyway, there are some videos showing off modded SX-70s, they should give you a better idea.

[@RicketyQuickity]

I found my 680 in an antique mall and with haggling it was about $120, I actually dont have a working SX-70 and was delighted to find an alternative where I can just pick up film from target and thats it. Overall, I just really appreciate the design and its very quick autofocus. I've found quite a liking to it, maybe I wont use it forever but for now its my baby haha.

[@novelezra]

@@RicketyQuickity Dude! That's an excellent price. I wouldn't even bother getting an SX-70 after getting a 680. My argument wasn't that the SX-70 is better, more than the 680 is held in such a high regard that you could usually buy 2 SX-70's for one 680 haha. But 120 dollars is a steal!

[@MetalDEmpire]

found a 680 SE at a local flea market for $80. not as a crazy deal as others, but for what it is, absolutely worth it

[@brianinski]

I saw you guys on the street today, getting pointed to your KZbin channel was a bit like pulling teeth, you might want to change that, but, the lack of Promotion was a real breath of fresh air.

[@brineb58]

Congats on the article!!! I got a 690 in the 90s, wish it was compatible with the current Polroid film, sadly the eject door/rollers are not compatible!!!

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

That shouldn’t be ? Film cartridges are the same still.

[@brineb58]

@@Markybug-Keira-Cody It's a know issue, the 690 has different rollers for ejection than other 600 cameras.

[@TheLeiPol]

@@Markybug-Keira-Cody Indeed, the film cartridges have still the same dimensions, but the photos themselves are reasonable thicker and also less pliable (stiffer) compared to Polaroid photos from before 2008.

[@sonyviva308]

I think its the lousy 600 film today that makes a 300usd camera looks like 50usd. The sx70 film is probably the one to use with a proper sx70. I wonder what happens if you use sx70 inside a 600 camera. Will it be super underexposed?

[@harveytherobot]

Yes

[@rancosteel]

The 680 in featured in one of my favorite films Memento.

[@stew_redman]

For anybody that watches "Andor" on Disney+ - go and look at episode 5 of season 1, 11 minutes in. That's a modified Polaroid SX-70 being used as a prop.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Cool, what is the prop supposed to do?

[@stew_redman]

@@Christian_from_Copenhagen "old and true and sturdy, it's one of the best navigational tools ever built"

[@jaczech_2876]

Nice video!

[@BicameralProductions]

Dude, close-ups are where the slr shines! should've compared that

[@alfredoziano]

I bought a 680 at a flee market, it worked fine but after a few weeks it started not working properly, it seems like it’s running out of power randomly. Tried a few packs of 600 lately and most of the time it freezes while taking a shot and the photo just doesn’t come out. Any ideas why ?

[@RicketyQuickity]

You should try checking the contacts inside the camera where you put the film, sometimes theyre dirty

[@DavidBajayo]

I wonder how these cameras compare with the nons sl660 and the Fuji instax

[@redsphoto6708]

Great video as always! Silly amateur tangential question for ya if you have the time: is there a reason (legal i assume?) why there arent any third party cameras that use polaroid film? Like there are a few cameras that use Fuji instax but i dont see polaroid equivalents? I think anyway

[@Zetaphotography]

Picked up a 690. Do you have a compression video

[@robertknight4672]

I think an interesting comparison would have been if you used one of the plastic 600 cameras that has the siding close-up lens which has a minimum distance of about 2 ft. Portrait I'm someone we both cameras at about to ft might be interesting.

[@gbv2134]

My only complaint about the “comparison” is the lack of objectivity. “The flash didn’t fire” but yet you showed it as if it were an equivalent comparison. If human or mechanical error happens then do not present it as a comparison. That’s basic.

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Wow! I’m probably not gonna find one of these bad boys for $25 at a flea market like I did with my original SX70 last month! 😂

[@AlecInstant]

I wish I got the mint 670 over the SLR 680. But I’ll get it eventually

[@stapledtogether]

I have 4 SX70's including sonar models and end up using my sun 660AF for all my professional work because its just way more reliable. My expensive cameras are out performed by my $50 sun 660

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

I would recommend a MiNT slr670s and a Polaroid 670af as the only instant cameras you will ever need. Imo.

[@thewetcoast]

Does it fit in your suit jacket pocket?

[@Black_Agent_Seattle]

I have a 680 as my main shooter, and had a 690 for a little bit and yes, the 690 is far more prone to failure. Mine never worked properly and i ended up selling it. Still have the 680, and a box of SX-70s and one or two Spectras.

[@debelenj]

Hey, love this video and have the Slr 680? Question, did you use the flash with all the photos taken on the 680 or take some photos without it?

[@ydndripz3940]

An I-type spectra camera would be incredible

[@AnalogResurgence]

Unfortunately the spectra film will likely never make a comeback. I believe the machines used in manufacturing have since been repurposed.

[@computationalerror69]

there is a adapter

[@Kmass]

I just found one at a thrift store, now trying to learn how to use it

[@tobiasvandevoort5027]

Just remember that if you don't have it overhauled you are playing with fire. The silicone they used to secure the mirror in the 80s. let go is a known problem, that's why I had mine overhauled

[@Diarigel]

Смотрим!

[@NumaticVacuum]

I don’t use flash on outside shots.

[@WittyDroog]

$300? I'd gladly pay $300 for one today, most I see close for at least $550-600 but average even higher. I'm also not surprised about the comparison results. While they were "cheap" the 600 box cameras were pretty well designed, including the Impulse. So why would someone want a 680 over like a Sun 660/670 or Impulse AF that does pretty much the same things? Personally the design is more impressive as a piece of engineering, the ability to fold up does help it slip into a bag, and the SLR nature is just more fun to get experimental with selective focus. Is that worth like half a grand? You'll have to decide for yourself.

[@AnalogResurgence]

I realized afterwards I probably should have doubled that to $600 instead!

[@WittyDroog]

@@AnalogResurgence In fairness it wasn't that long ago that you COULD find them for $300 which goes to show how much popularity has spiked

[@daltonrothchild6569]

You really expect me to believe that the cool cam came out warm??

[@jeffjarboe3634]

Would like to have seen some tighter portraits

[@johnkavc2487]

Hi, new subscriber first question ever! Can I use 600 B & W in the SLR 680 successfully? All paperwork says color only so I wanted to confirm before burning a pack? 🙄 Thanks, love your content!

[@AnalogResurgence]

Yes the SLR680 can take any of the 600 Polaroid film! Black and white or color.

[@johnkavc2487]

@@AnalogResurgence thanks for your quick reply! That’s what I thought but wanted confirmation from the expert-YOU! 😁

[@GrainOnTheGo]

I use a 660, just because it’s very similar without some quality of life feature and at an infinitely lower price for a vintage piece.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

These old cameras fascinate me and have considered getting one from mint, but I remember the outcome of the film looking better as a kid. These look terrible but I understand the fun factor with them.

[@Philipp4594]

Nice beard! 👍

[@tobiasvandevoort5027]

2:27 still cheaper than the I-2

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice! :)

[@Logic44]

The only *real* difference in any of the SE cameras _was_ the extension of its warranty...

[@harveytherobot]

8 months later ... $300. That's adorable.

[@pandoranbias1622]

You want a cheap mechanical 35mm camera? Buy some old Soviet Leica clones. Ukrainians are understandably selling a lot of them right now to make some money.

[@Lueckii]

Anything in particular? Been looking for something like that recently :)

[@lahuk1194]

What would you search for? I assume they didn't call them "Soviet Leica".

[@lucab1733]

@@Lueckii Kiev 4

[@Tahmaders]

Zorki 4, too

[@johnkaplun9619]

Honestly I feel like it's pointless to have the better camera because the new polaroid film is not nearly as good as old stuff or fuji instax film.

[@jasonkwh]

690 is the best, not 680. 690 is a 680 camera but re-engineered by the Japanese. They reworked the circuits and thus the camera is more reliable and giving better results compared to 680.

[@tomjanowski8584]

I felt the cool cam images were always better than the 680/

[@vangstr]

There’s no further ingenuity coming out from Polaroid. That’s the sad part. All they can do is continue to make film with new decorative borders😢. Instax chemistry is miles ahead of Polaroid.😂

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

The Polaroid of today shows no interest in improving their film, sadly. Until an Instax square SLR comes out, I'll stick with my SQ6. Congrats on the article!

[@therhett17]

Polaroid has actually posted an article on the improvements that are in the pipeline, go check it out if you haven’t

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

@@therhett17 Interesting, thanks for letting me know.

[@melody3741]

The f*** you talking about look like they're made of metal? I literally have one and it is metal

[@AnalogResurgence]

The original SX-70’s had a rigid plastic body with a thin coating of copper-nickel making them seem like they’re made of metal!